It's my birthday. My 35th trip around the sun. Halfway through my third decade. I used to hate birthdays. I bawled and bawled on the eve of my tenth birthday. Why? Because I would "never be single digits again." 🤷♀️ When I turned 24, I thought the best parts of my life were over. (They … [Read more...]
FarmTogether: Changing Investing Through Accessibility & Opportunity
[Please enjoy this informative and insightful sponsored post by FarmTogether.] There’s never been a broader array of investment opportunities available to your average investor than there is today. The era of stocks, bonds, and mutual funds predominating in a portfolio are long gone: now, … [Read more...]
Let’s Talk About Capital Gains
I know, tax law. It's a super sexy topic that's easy to understand and fun to talk about. Well, maybe not. But farmers are seriously concerned about the proposed changes floating around Washington, D.C. So it's worth understanding the issues and why it's such a big deal. This is my attempt to … [Read more...]
Changes in Corn Production
Ever wonder how corn production has changed over the years? Here's some numbers that are sure to impress: The National Corn Growers Association has a great interactive website that really shows how corn production has changed over the past couple decades. It's amazing how much more sustainable … [Read more...]
An Honest Comment From An Organic Farmer
It's taken me over four years to write this article. I suppose I held onto it for a number of reasons. I don't like calling out other farmers. I can anticipate the push back. And, quite frankly, I didn't want this farmer to know her comment shocked me so much. I was speaking at a local … [Read more...]
Here We Go Again: EPA to Revisit WOTUS Rule
The Environmental Protection Agency announced last week that it will revisit its Waters-of-the-United-States rule. Farmers and agriculture groups were immediately alarmed by the decision. So what does that mean and why is there concern? I'll attempt to explain in the most straightforward way … [Read more...]
Video: Chat with Dillon Honcoop on WA Overtime Exemption
Earlier this year, farmers in Washington state were stunned when the Washington Supreme Court struck down the state's overtime exemption for agricultural workers. Even worse, the court left open the possibility that workers could sue their employers for overtime back pay for the last three years. … [Read more...]
Video: Farm Logistics
Equipment mover. Escort vehicle. Fuel bringer. Lunch maker. Transporter. What if I told you one of the most important people on the farm doesn't work in the field? She just keeps everyone else moving smoothly. … [Read more...]
If I Wanted to Shill, I Could (But Not How You Think)
The email wasn't all that unique. The sender was a marketing guru. He wanted to make me a deal to promote a new supplement that lowers blood pressure. In exchange for some social-media posts, he would send me a sample, give me a discount code for my followers, and monetary compensation. I responded … [Read more...]
Prices Increase at Grocery Store and the Farm
I heard that prices in the grocery store are going up. Supply-chain disruptions, shortages, and higher input costs are to blame. The price of gas is also increasing quickly (I paid $2.99 last weekend). I know from personal experience that the price of lumber is skyrocketing (I bought two 6x6 posts … [Read more...]
